November tips

[Ratherbeatdisneyland]

After dreaming for YEARS about going at this time, we finally are! We are headed out thanksgiving weekend (I know it's going to be busy!) but it's either then or don't go. Anyway we have never been out there at this time of year. We have always been late spring/summer people. It will be just my hubby, me and our almost 4 year old son. If you have any tips let me know! We have Minnie's breakfast scheduled for Saturday morning.

 

[figment_jii]

As you mentioned, it's likely to be pretty busy in the parks over Thanksgiving weekend, but as long as you go expecting crowds, I still think it's possible to have a lot of fun. In addition to Minnie's breakfast at the Plaza Inn, I would highly recommend making ADRs if you know that you want to have a TS meal. Lately whenever I've gone to DLR, most of the in-park TS locations have not been accepting walk-ups (this includes Cafe Orleans, Carnation Cafe, Big Thunder BBQ, Blue Bayou, and Carthay Circle). It might be possible to get a last minute ADR, but if you know you want to eat at a specific location at a specific time, I would make a reservation rather than trying to just walk-up.

 

[SunnyBunny08]

We will also be at DLR Thanksgiving weekend. We made reservations for Minnie's breakfast too on Saturday, but now need to think of dinner ADRs. Thanks for the tip Figment.

 

[Bud Ice]

Just have fun most of all. Don't let the crowds ruin the mood. Can't get in somewhere, or a 2 hour wait, there's plenty of other things to see and do. In as much as there's stuff in the parks, plenty to do in and around the parks. Still can be a magical Disney experience. Walk around and enjoy.

Other things to see and do just in case....

- Parades, Public View spots for Fantasmic and World of Color
- Downtown Disney
- Knotts Berry Farm
- Medieval Times
- Pirates Adventure
- Beach, if weather holds up.
- Tons of restaurants.

 

[ThistleMae]

My biggest challenge is what to pack? I hear it can be 80 midafternoon but cool in the morning and at night. So I have to bring gear for every possible weather scenario! And rain gear too, just in case. Shoes? Sneakers at night, sandals in the afternoon....cold feet in the morning...brrr.....it's just so hard to figure out. We have made all our ADR's....it's been quite the challenge but we are good to go. We made our FP+ which was better, easier than the dining. I would not go during Thanksgiving week without reservations. They were really hard to get right from the beginning of our 180 days! I am getting so excited at this point! Where do u want to eat for Thanksgiving day?

 

[taniahappy]

Arrive as soon as the park opens and head to get a Fastpass for a popular ride (Indiana/Big Thunder/Space/whatever) and then head to Pirates,Haunted Mansion or the area that is on top of your list because there will be far less people early in the day.

Remember to get a FP for F! also.

 

[Indiana Scott]

The only advice I would give is to make reservations for any of the sit-down restaurants you plan on going to. Or at least have the Disney dining number (714 781 3463) in your phone so you can call them earlier in the day if you see someplace you want to dine at.

Hope you have a great trip!
Scott

 

[Ratherbeatdisneyland]

Thanks everyone! We are planning for it to be really busy, but when it comes down to going when its crowded or not at all, I will take the crowds! Packing is another issue, like was mentioned above. Who knows what the weather will do! We will be parked there, so I guess we can just make sure our prepared stuff is in the car in case!

 

[egritz]

Just keep an eye on the weather reports. For our Nov trip last year (and also our Dec 2013 trip) I didn't pack until a few days before. I had rain gear ready to pack if the forecast called for rain. The Dec trip was chilly (jeans all day, layers for the morning/day/evening worked fine). Last year in November (the first week of the season) we were in shorts & tshirts (and I was in flip flops) all week!

 

[ThistleMae]

Just keep an eye on the weather reports. For our Nov trip last year (and also our Dec 2013 trip) I didn't pack until a few days before. I had rain gear ready to pack if the forecast called for rain. The Dec trip was chilly (jeans all day, layers for the morning/day/evening worked fine). Last year in November (the first week of the season) we were in shorts & tshirts (and I was in flip flops) all week!

Yeah....exactly....just don't know what to bring! Got to bring some of everything!

 

[egritz]

Yeah....exactly....just don't know what to bring! Got to bring some of everything!

Not really, just check the weather report before your leave. If it is clear skies you don't really need to bring a bunch of rain gear. If it is projected cold weather, don't bring shorts, etc.